Viola Helen Hickman Parrish

IN MEMORY OF: Viola Helen Hickman Parrish Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Viola H. Parrish, 91, of Saint Charles, MO, entered her heavenly home on December 4, 2025, passing peacefully. She was born on July 6, 1934, in Du Quoin, IL to the late James and Alberna (Arbeiter) Hickman. Born with a gentle spirit and a steadfast faith, Viola grew into a woman whose life was marked by devotion, love, and service. On February 14, 1953, she married her childhood sweetheart and the one true love of her life, Paul Parrish. Together they built a beautiful life— raising their family, supporting one another through every season and established several successful businesses through hard work, determination, and shared vision. Viola was a devoted wife and mother whose home was filled with warmth, hospitality, and an unforgettable aroma of her wonderful cooking. She and Paul shared a love for travel, journeying together to all 50 states, often in their motorhome. Upon retirement they made their home in Florida, embracing the sunshine and peaceful pace of life. A woman of deep faith, Viola was active in her church and instilled strong Christian values in her children. She lived as a woman after God's own heart —gracious, kind, and unwavering in her belief. Viola's legacy is one of love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. Viola is survived by her daughter, Leola Bonham (Christopher)of Indian Rocks Beach, FL; son, Curtis Parrish (Karen) of St. Charles, MO and Son-In-Law, Donald Wright of Normal, IL. 7 Grandchildren, James Carey Bonham (Amy)of Largo, FL; Natasha Irvine (Jonathan)of Portland, OR; Karissa Waller (Mark)of Arnold, MO; Christopher Parrish (Jenna) of Wentzville, MO; Lauren Sugar (Michael) of Chicago, IL; Lane Aguilera (Eric) of Los Angeles, CA; Logan Martin (Zach) of Milwaukee, WI. 16 great-grandchildren, Sage, Selah, Caden and Ava Bonham; Anastasia, Sebastian, Vera and Juno Irvine; Corban, Peyton, Barron, and Kolten Waller; Tyler Bizzle; Nolan and Wesley Parrish; and Zay Paul Martin. Siblings, Chancey Hickman; Larry Hickman and Dolores King. In addition to her parents, Viola was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul W. Parrish; daughter Lisa Carole Wright of Normal, IL.; and sibling, Joan C. Degenhardt Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on December 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Wesley United Methodist Church in Vergennes, Illinois 62994. Visitation will be held at the church, prior to the memorial service, beginning at 10:15 a.m. until service time. After the service the family will proceed to the burial site at the Parrish Cemetery for a final prayer. After the final burial prayer, the family will return to the church to join with family and friends for lunch in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Parrish Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, 639 Weil Rd. Vergennes, IL 62994. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is handling arrangements.

Viola Helen Hickman Parrish

July 6, 1934 - December 4, 2025